Can I still get into college with bad SAT scores??

Question

So I am now a senior in high school...and I did absolutely horrible on my SAT Reasoning Test and I checked out the colleges that I want to apply too and I'm nowhere near the scores they want...In general, I'm a horrible test taker. My grades overall are pretty good. I have A's and B's and like one C...I haven't taken the ACT yet, but I'm going to do that and I'm going to retake the SAT and hope I will do better. Other than that I took an SAT subject test in German and did really well on that.

My major is going to be Vocal Performance...and a minor in something having to do with computers...I even thought about a double major...but I still have some time to think about that.

So my question is...can I still get into college even if my SAT scores are bad?

I know that's a pretty generalized question...but perhaps one of you did bad on your SATs and still got into college...

If you have any information, I'd be very grateful if you would share it with me...thank you :D

I haven't auditioned yet, but I am pretty confident with my voice...I've done a lot of musicals and been in a few operas...Also been selected for All Europe Honors Choir all years I've tried out...some other stuff too...I just don't really announce those things since I don't like bragging...

Also, the colleges I'm looking at are all in Texas...Texas Tech, UNT, and UT in Austin...

I live in Germany right now...but I"m going to go visit the colleges this summer...in about 4 days actually...heh

Answer 1

Well, look for a back door. I did horrible as well, as a matter of fact I did so bad on my LSAT's that I did not take my SATs until after I attended a community college. If you can do well at a 2 yr community college you can transfer to a 4 yr after. I eventually took the SATs and did horible as well, I think it was around 900 combined. The math killed me, I hadn't had a math course in 4 years. Some 4yr schools also have night schools and summer schools that are easy to get into, pretty much sign up and attend. Take some courses this was how I did it, if you do well the school will notice and possibly make an exception, they might just make you take a remedial math or English course, I had to do this. Honestly I don't think SAT's are that big a deal with a major in vocal performance. Pick a school, visit it, make some friends, email some professors and ask them to help you. (don't listen to your high school advisor, I did that and joined the Army, what a waste that was)
Good luck
You will do fine

Answer 2

One way around your test scores is; go to another college, ie small college where test scores are not as competitive, even a state or vocational college/university for a semester or two after which when you have shown that you are an excellent student then transfer. You won't be wasting your time, just instead of taking your major take some of your GE credits, psychology, logic, language, etc. If your grades are high enough you should be able to transfer with no problem. Besides you might even find you like the atmosphere of a small college/university. Also, try one in or around your home town, many freshman have real issues with homesickness as well as being on their own for the first time. Good luck.

Answer 3

It really depends on the school you are trying to get into, and how competitive it is. If its a junior college, or a place that is very non-selective, then you will be OK. If its one of the huge Universities like Texas, you have a decent shot as well. If you are applying to someplace very competitive, that limits class size and really focuses on good academics, well its always possible, but your chances wont be real good. Assuming you are really going to major in voice, have you auditioned yet at your potential school? That tends to be a major that you cant just "go into"- you have to audition and be accepted. But if you have done that, and they really liked you, they might also be able to pull some strings to get you in, if you are really talented.

Answer 4

I would really recommed autioning at the schools you are interested in, because if your major is going to be Vocal Performance, your SAT reasoning test really isn't going to be overwhelmingly important in the admissions process. Your credentials sound amazing, and you should be able to wow the colleges with your voice, even if you can't with your scores! When you are majoring in a musical field, SATs really don't matter THAT much, which is why Julliard, for instance, does not require SAT scores. It seems that in music, talent overshadows scores, which is good news for you!

Answer 5

You absolutely can! SAT's are only 1 piece to your college application. Grades and extra-curricular activities mix in as well. A good friend of mine graduated 2nd in our class but did poorly on the SAT's. He wanted to go to Harvard. They rejected him. However, he went to Boston University instead and now works as a rocket scientist for NASA making huge money. Don't give up!!! Good Luck!

Answer 6

You might have to go to a community college for a while but to be on the safe side talk to your senior adviser or counselor and they will be able to direct you in the right direction.